Mumbai, February 14, 2025- As the situation evolves, the Mumbai and Assam police squads have made their way to the Versova home of YouTuber and podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia, also known as ‘BeerBiceps’, for the investigation into his controversial remarks made on the YouTube show ‘India’s Got Latent’. On reaching, the officers found the apartment locked, unable to contact Allahbadia, as he wasn’t able to answer, his mobile was also switched off.
Background of the Controversy
The controversy revolves around a question posed by Allahbadia during an episode of ‘India’s Got Latent’, hosted by comedian Samay Raina. Described by many as derogatory and distasteful, the question provoked a public outcry, resulting in angry calls for Allahbadia and co-participants of the show to be prosecuted under numerous First Information Reports.
Legal Actions and Police Investigations
In response to the widespread controversy over Allahbadia’s question in the show, the Maharashtra Cyber Police filed an FIR against Allahbadia, Raina, and other participating artists for allegedly producing and broadcasting obscene content. The complaint was registered under pertinent sections of the Information Technology and the Indian Penal Codes.
In addition to the FIR registered in Maharashtra, police in Guwahati, Assam have also lodged a case against Allahbadia and other TV personalities for promoting obscenity and sexually explicit conversation during the show. The case registration was confirmed by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who said an investigation is on.
Efforts by Police to Continue to Track Down Allahbadia
Allahbadia had earlier been summoned by the police officials to the Khar police station in Mumbai for questioning about the issues raised in the show. After he did not turn up, a second summon was issued calling him to appear before the Khar police Friday. However, when police arrived at his Versova residence, they found the flat locked and were unable to reach out to him as his mobile had been switched off. His lawyer also couldn’t be reached for an immediate comment.
Response from Allahbadia and Legal Measures
With the increasing backlash, he has alleged, apparently, to the Supreme Court seeking that the case registered against him in various states to be consolidated. His lawyers pond low-in-urgency whilst fearing arrest by the Assam police. In some days, the highs’ court of the Supreme Court is going to hear that.
Before these legal protections were in place, he issued an apology in public where he expressed remorse about making comments on his show, though the controversies grew onwards and led to a crescendo.
Digital Influence on Content Creation and Public Debate
Such an incident has initiated discussions regarding the content creators and the obligations of digital influencers. This also has initiated calls for stricter regulations for online content, as some public persona calls for clearer dynamics in determining whether some information is obscene or offensive.
Authorities are actively pursuing to find the suspect worldwide as investigations unfold. The case sheds light on the delicate balance between the right to free speech and social standards, pointing towards a need for responsible content creation in this digital era.
While there are several FIRs against Ranveer Allahbadia and his associates in different states on charges of express obscenity, the police inquiry has so far failed because the police have found his house locked up and have been unable to reach him by any means of communication.
Along with that, Allahbadia is sorry, says he thoughtlessly over-spoke, but further probes consequently have rushed forth.
While this has sparked debate around the possible stricter regulation of online content creators, the debate needs to escalate to a conclusion as the incidents unfold and split public opinion.
